Bhubaneswar: In a recent statement, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi announced that the state government is taking the Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh very seriously and is contemplating speeding up proposed projects over the river.
This announcement comes after two rounds of discussions with the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.
The Mahanadi River, which flows through both states, has been a point of contention for years, with disputes over water sharing and usage. The Odisha government has lodged complaints regarding the construction of industrial barrages by Chhattisgarh, which allegedly reduce water flow into Odisha during non-monsoon periods.
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized the importance of these projects for the state’s water security and agricultural needs. “We are committed to ensuring that Odisha’s rightful share of Mahanadi water is protected. The state government is considering accelerating the implementation of key projects to address this issue,” he stated during his visit to Bolangir.
The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal, constituted in 2018, has been working to resolve the conflict by inspecting river basins and quantifying water needs for both states. Despite these efforts, tensions remain high, with both states presenting extensive data to justify their claims.